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Knox County voters retain all members of the Tennessee House of Representatives

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Knox County voters retain all members of the Tennessee House of Representatives

Knox County voters reinstated all of their state representatives on Nov. 5, even as Democrats had hoped to flip a key race.

Democrats thought Bryan Goldberg had a chance to defeat Rep. Elaine Davis in District 18, which includes Sequoyah Hills and other neighborhoods in West Knoxville. A shift in 2022 suggested Democratic support was increasing, but it wasn't enough.

It was the closest local race of the evening.

The two Democratic incumbents, Representatives Gloria Johnson and Sam McKenzie, won in their districts. McKenzie clearly beat his Republican challenger Justin Hirst. Johnson ran unopposed and will retain her seat even after losing the U.S. Senate race to Marsha Blackburn.

On the Senate side, voters stuck with Becky Duncan Massey, a Republican who has been in office since 2011.

Here's a look at the results of each race.

Tennessee House District 14

State Rep. Jason Zachary used his victory speech to highlight Republican turnout. “When we started this journey, we begged people to show up, and that’s exactly what happened this election cycle,” Zachary said. “When we show up, we make it clear that this is a conservative county.”

He was challenged by Democrat Amanda Collins, 46, a former school psychologist.

Zachary, 46, is a technology consultant. He has been in office since 2015.

The 14th District of the Tennessee House of Representatives covers portions of southeastern Knox County, including Northshore and Farragut. It has been represented by a Republican since at least 2004.

Tennessee House District 15

McKenzie more than doubled the votes of his Republican challenger Justin Hirst, 51, an X-ray products specialist.

“I’m really happy with my win,” McKenzie told Knox News. “I hope some people are there to change the tone and tenor of our Legislature. I am happy that the people of the 15th district sent me back.”

McKenzie, 59, is a former Oak Ridge National Laboratory employee and small business owner. He served on the Knox County Commission from 2012 to 2020 and has served in the Tennessee House of Representatives since 2021.

As one of the few Democrats in the Tennessee House of Representatives, McKenzie said he would push for a higher minimum wage, criminal justice reform and funding for public education in his next term amid battles over school vouchers. “I will be in a super-minority party.” McKenzie said, “With that in mind, my biggest goal is to roll back the school voucher scam that our governor is determined to force upon us.”

The 15th District of the Tennessee House of Representatives covers central Knox County, including downtown and South Knoxville. It has been represented by a Democrat since at least 1988.

Tennessee House District 16

Republican Rep. Michele Carringer, 62, won re-election. She served on the Knox County Commission from 2012 to 2020 and has held state office since 2021.

“I promise everyone here that I will continue to work hard to keep our government small, keep our taxes low and protect individual freedom,” she said at an election night party. “There’s a reason people move to Tennessee. … We’re very lucky to live here.”

Her challenger, Democrat Lauren Carver, 29, is a gardener. Independent Sean Eastham, 25, is a talent manager at KARM Stores.

The 16th District of the Tennessee House of Representatives covers parts of northeastern Knox County, including Fountain City and Powell. Since 1994 it has been represented by a Republican.

Tennessee House District 18

State Rep. Elaine Davis retained her seat after Democrats tried to flip it.

“The 18th wanted to stay conservative. I’m so proud of the work we’ve done,” Davis said. “We want to ensure our values ​​are enshrined in policy, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve the 18th District again.”

Goldberg, who is new to politics, said he was proud of the steps he took on the campaign trail.

“We took all the right steps we could. We gained a lot of bipartisan support. We had big problems and I don’t regret what we did,” he told Knox News. “Sometimes things just aren’t meant to be. And so at the end of the day I have a smile on my face because I'm really proud of the race we ran and the people who were part of this campaign.”

Davis, 57, is retired. She served on the Knox County Commission as a Democrat for a few months in 2008 and has served in the Tennessee House of Representatives since 2023.

Goldberg, 41, is a manager at Belfor.

The 18th District of the Tennessee House of Representatives includes portions of south and west Knoxville and South Knox County, including Sequoyah Hills and Mount Olive. It has been represented by a Republican since at least 2006.

Tennessee House District 19

Republican Rep. Dave Wright, 73, won a new term. He served on the Knox County Commission from 2008 to 2018 and has served in the Tennessee House of Representatives since 2019.

He faced no opponent.

The 19th District of the Tennessee House of Representatives covers east and northeast Knox County, including Carter and Gibbs. It has been represented by a Republican since at least 2002.

Tennessee House District 89

Republican Representative Justin Lafferty, 53, a small business owner, retained his seat. He has served in the Tennessee House of Representatives since 2021. His challenger, Democrat Cary Hammond, 48, is an accountant.

“It was a fun ride. Enjoy it everyone tonight. “We hope we can enjoy the next big days,” Lafferty told his supporters. “This fight doesn’t stop tonight. It feels like our country is starting to realize the madness.”

The 89th District of the Tennessee House of Representatives is located in northwest Knox County, including Hardin Valley and Karns.

Tennessee House District 90

Democratic Rep. Gloria Johnson, 62, won re-election to her Tennessee House seat despite losing to Marsha Blackburn in the race for U.S. Senate. State law allows candidates to run in different races in the same election.

Johnson, a retired educator, had no opposition. She served in the Tennessee House of Representatives from 2013 to 2015 and was re-elected in 2018.

The 90th District of the Tennessee House of Representatives is expansive, encompassing neighborhoods north, east and west of downtown Knoxville, including West Hills and Whittle Springs. Since its creation in 2021, it has been represented by a Democrat.

Allie Feinberg covers politics for Knox News. Email her at: [email protected] and follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @alliefeinberg

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